Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines the best elements of baked ziti and lasagna. With layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and a crispy top, this dish lives up to its name—delicious, rich, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding a crowd, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
• Skillet (for cooking ground beef)
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti
   Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat, then add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
   In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and well combined. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant pop of color.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for the best texture.
• If you’re in a rush, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled.

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect dish for when you want a comforting, cheesy pasta meal that will feed a crowd. The combination of creamy cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes this casserole irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit and leave everyone asking for seconds!